Does a medication that is immediately administered to a patient (eg, pain medication) require labeling?

Answer:

No. An immediately administered medication that is prepared or obtained, taken directly to a patient, and administered to a patient without any break in the process by the same person does not require labeling.

Has propofol been classified as a controlled substance?

Answer:

Presently, propofol has not been classified as a controlled substance despite concerns regarding drug diversion and supply shortages. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in December 2010 supporting the scheduling of propofol as schedule IV. As of December 2012, propofol is not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act, although it is listed as "Drugs and Chemicals of Concern".

Resources

ASA submits letter to DEA supporting the scheduling of Propofol. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). December 23, 2010. http://www.asahq.org/For-Members/Advocacy/Washington-Alerts/ASA-Submits-to-DEA-Supporting-the-Scheduling-of-Propofol.aspx. Accessed December 7, 2012.

Who should fill pain pumps: the pharmacist or scrub personnel at the sterile field?

Answer:

Pain pump reservoirs should be filled by a pharmacist with exception of urgent situations.Personnel filling a pain pump with medication should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, local, state, and federal regulations, and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) chapter <797>. The reservoir should be filled in a sterile environment such as under a laminar airflow hood.